We Bring Mom Everywhere—But Something Strange Started Happening at the Lake

After Mom’s death, we kept her portrait close—propped in the car or at picnics, especially at her beloved lake. This year, my niece Leila, claiming Grandma spoke to her, insisted Mom wanted her lost silver necklace, dropped years ago during a childhood game. Skeptical but compelled, I searched the lake shore and found a fresh daisy on a log, a flower Mom loved. Leila later mentioned Grandma knew I was struggling to forgive Dad, who’d left us

years ago. His recent email, revealing his illness, went unanswered until Leila’s words prompted me to reply. Weeks later, Mom’s necklace arrived mysteriously. I met Dad, who shared stories and a daisy, rekindling a fragile connection. The next spring, we planted a maple tree at the lake, burying the necklace beneath it. Leila said Mom wanted to “be a tree.” Now, the growing tree, occasional daisies, and our healing family embody Mom’s enduring love.